AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - New computer services and better training for young people in deprived areas

Bevaneviky (Agenzia Fides) - Thanks to a charity initiative created in collaboration by "Computer scientists Without Borders" (CWB) an organization formed by professional volunteers of information technology, and "Monclick", one of the leading online sellers of technology products in Italy, the Salesian mission in Bevaneviky, Madagascar, will offer its young people new services and better training. CWB is an organization founded in 2005 with the aim to use knowledge and computer tools to help people in situations of marginalization and difficulties. It is in particulat addressed to the people of the poorest areas. The Monclick company has decided to partner with CWB and to donate a portion of the proceeds of their Autumn sales campaigns "Back to School" and "Back to Work" to the Bevaneviky initiative, which will serve to create a computer room at the Salesian Mission and to train its teachers. According to information released by Ans, in Bevaneviky the Salesians run or work with elementary schools and secondary schools with a total of 3,200 students. The area in which they operate is a particularly difficult area, moreover affected by the widespread use of khat, a drug underestimated but socially devastating. With the new computer room the Salesians, intend to both provide better training to youths, helping to bridge the digital gap, and give information and prevention of the harmful effects of the drug. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 27/09/2012)